Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Prototype 2 'Excessive Force' DLC zombifies Alex Mercer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-excessive-force-dlc-zombifies-alex-mercer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-excessive-force-dlc-zombifies-alex-mercer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/prototype-2-excessive-force-dlc-zombifies-alex-mercer/#comments Image
Prototype 2's "Excessive Force" DLC pack is now available on Xbox Live and should hit PSN after today's update. The pack features a new weapon, three new powers and three new player skins (including a zombified Alex Mercer). The Excessive Force pack will set you back five bucks.

Continue reading Prototype 2 'Excessive Force' DLC zombifies Alex Mercer

JoystiqPrototype 2 'Excessive Force' DLC zombifies Alex Mercer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcmicrosoftplaystationprototype-2ps3psnRadical-EntertainmentxboxXbox360Tue, 29 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The UnderGarden review: UnderWhelming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-undergarden-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-undergarden-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/the-undergarden-review/#comments I'm floating effortlessly through a vast underwater garden, bioluminescent plants and fruits bursting forth from the ground whenever I touch down. I solve some simple puzzles and grow some more plants, pausing along the way to pick up a small musician to accompany me. As he floats behind me his gently plucked, looping bassline mixes with the world-beat soundtrack to create an emergent soundscape. I spread his notes through the world and the plants around me magically change their hue.

Yeah, man. That sure sounds relaxing. So why is it that Artech's new downloadable game The UnderGarden leaves me feeling listless, bored and vaguely irritated?

Continue reading The UnderGarden review: UnderWhelming

JoystiqThe UnderGarden review: UnderWhelming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArtechAtarimicrosoftPCPlaystationPS3PSNthe-undergardenTheUnderGardenXBLAxboxXbox360Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq at the Gears of War 2 launchapalooza]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/joystiq-at-the-gears-of-war-2-launchapalooza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/joystiq-at-the-gears-of-war-2-launchapalooza/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/07/joystiq-at-the-gears-of-war-2-launchapalooza/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This is an extremely hard post to finish. Not because the Los Angeles Gears of War 2 launch party sucked (it didn't), not because we didn't get enough photos (took plenty), and not because we didn't get good interviews (CliffyB Cliff Bleszkinski and John DiMaggio, the voice of Marcus Fenix AND Bender, and others ... coming to you very soon). No, it's because we got the game, came home and slid it into the 360, and thought, "Hey, it'll be fun to try this Horde mode out!" Now it's 9:15 am, and it feels like one of those days where you wake up and realize you have a chemistry test in two hours that you didn't study for at all.

Gallery: Gears of War 2 Launch: Los Angeles

Continue reading Joystiq at the Gears of War 2 launchapalooza

JoystiqJoystiq at the Gears of War 2 launchapalooza originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cliff-BleszinskiGearsgears-of-war-2GoW2joystiqfeatureslaunchMajor-NelsonXbox-360Xbox360Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft sues DHL over 360s destroyed in train derailment]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/microsoft-sues-dhl-over-360s-destroyed-in-train-derailment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/microsoft-sues-dhl-over-360s-destroyed-in-train-derailment/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/12/microsoft-sues-dhl-over-360s-destroyed-in-train-derailment/#commentsFiled under: ,


We all reacted similarly to the news of a DHL freight train derailment in which 21,600 Xbox 360s were lost due to "impact damage, wetting, pilfering and shortage" -- no, not by inquiring about the well-being of those who were on board at the time of the crash. That would be silly. We reacted, as anyone would, with general concern for the Redmond-based software juggernaut whose precious cargo was destroyed in the accident.

That's why we were so glad to hear that Microsoft recently filed a complaint against DHL in which they call for $2 million in damages to replace the missing consoles, stating that the shipping company "negligently breached its duties as a common carrier, handler, bailee, warehouseman, agent, or in other capabilities." We agree -- it was incredibly negligent of DHL to allow their train to crash like that. Really, terribly unprofessional.

JoystiqMicrosoft sues DHL over 360s destroyed in train derailment originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deraildhlmicrosofttrainXbox-360xbox360Sun, 12 Oct 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Banjo-Kazooie rewrites history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/banjo-kazooie-rewrites-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/banjo-kazooie-rewrites-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/25/banjo-kazooie-rewrites-history/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you that didn't really mind the news that Banjo-Kazooie would be making its way to the Xbox 360's XBLA service and not the Virtual Console, know this: the experience won't be the exact one you remember. In the XBLA version of the game, all references to Nintendo and the N64 have been removed from the game (save for the Game Boy shown), based on the video leaked above. In-game, N64 logos have been replaced with updated Rare logo and Microsoft Game Studios labels. What should be interesting is how TipTup is represented in both games, as Nintendo apparently owns that character.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqBanjo-Kazooie rewrites history originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banjo-kazooieBanjo-Kazooie-XBLAmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studiosn64rarexblaxboxxbox-360xbox-live-arcadexbox360Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:43:00 EST<![CDATA[So the Xbox 360 didn't outsell Wii in Japan?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/so-the-xbox-360-didnt-outsell-wii-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/so-the-xbox-360-didnt-outsell-wii-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/21/so-the-xbox-360-didnt-outsell-wii-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

It looks like those strong sales in Japan for the Xbox 360 that Enterbrain reported this week might be bogus.

The numbers coming from Media Create are telling a very different story, one where the Wii in fact won, instead of Microsoft's console. By a mere 1,500 units, Media Create says the Wii won with a total of 29,686 consoles sold. The figure for Xbox 360, which Enterbrain reported was 28,188 units, is apparently correct.

We kind of doubted the story, but with a Square Enix RPG releasing, along with a price cut, we can understand how the Japanese public might snatch up a bunch of Xbox 360s.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqSo the Xbox 360 didn't outsell Wii in Japan? originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessjapanmicrosoftsalessalesfiguresxbox-360xbox360Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[First sign of the apocalypse? Xbox 360 tops Wii in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-xbox-360-tops-wii-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-xbox-360-tops-wii-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/first-sign-of-the-apocalypse-xbox-360-tops-wii-in-japan/#commentsFiled under:

The end of the world must be nigh, for we never thought we'd see the day where the Wii was outsold by the Xbox 360 in Japan. Sure enough, with Microsoft cutting the price of the console, sales have seen a boost over there. The week ending September 14th saw the Xbox 360 selling 28,681 units, while the Wii only moved 27,057 units. Close, but this isn't horse shoes or hand grenades, kiddies.

Aside from Microsoft cutting the price of their console, a number of other factors helped contribute to the Xbox 360 selling so well. For one, a new Square Enix RPG released there this week, by the name of Infinite Undiscovery, and Microsoft also came out with a new Xbox 360 SKU. We're not holding a grudge, though. Microsoft can enjoy their short time in the spotlight. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have to go sabotage the jump jets on Bill Gates' diamond-encrusted jetpack.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqFirst sign of the apocalypse? Xbox 360 tops Wii in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessjapanmicrosoftsalessalesfiguressquare-enixxboxxbox-360xbox360Wed, 17 Sep 2008 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Rare says Avatars were in production before Wii even launched]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/rare-says-avatars-were-in-production-before-wii-even-launched/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/rare-says-avatars-were-in-production-before-wii-even-launched/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/rare-says-avatars-were-in-production-before-wii-even-launched/#commentsFiled under:


Oh Rare. Do you honestly expect us to believe this? Nonetheless, it's their story and they're sticking to it.

The fine folks behind that Banjo & Kazooie business have commented that Avatars are not an attempt to copy the lovable Miis from Nintendo. Head of art, Lee Musgrave, says "It was an idea we had, even before Miis were part of the gaming scene, of putting these characters that you have an affinity with, not necessarily as part of the Xbox dash, but somewhere in the Xbox that you would play multiple games with, that you would have multiple experiences with that same character."

Musgrave further added that "Microsoft did not turn up one day in a speeding car and say, 'They've got Miis - do something!' It wasn't like that at all; it was something that fell into place over a period of time." But was that period of time really the year the Xbox 360 was on the market before Wii's arrival? We're not sure we're willing to swallow the red pill on that one.

JoystiqRare says Avatars were in production before Wii even launched originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsmicrosoftmiimiisrarexbox-360xbox360Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Xbox 360 price drop won't make Nintendo slash Wii's price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/analyst-xbox-360-price-drop-wont-make-nintendo-slash-wiis-pri/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/analyst-xbox-360-price-drop-wont-make-nintendo-slash-wiis-pri/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/analyst-xbox-360-price-drop-wont-make-nintendo-slash-wiis-pri/#commentsFiled under:


With the Xbox 360 dropping in price later this week, many are looking at one of the console's particular SKUs because, well, it's going to be cheaper than the Wii. For almost 2 years, the Wii has been the cheapest option on the market, so how could this lower price affect the Wii's standing as top sales dog? Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian says Microsoft may see stronger sales, but doesn't "anticipate either Nintendo or Sony to match the Xbox 360 price cut."

The Wii is in good standing and really doesn't need to cut its price, so we're not expecting Nintendo to do so, either. But, if Microsoft manages to start taking away some of Nintendo's sales, we wouldn't be surprised to hear about a price cut early next year or, if sales drop that much, this holiday. We're not expecting sales to shift that dramatically, though.

JoystiqAnalyst: Xbox 360 price drop won't make Nintendo slash Wii's price originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmicrosoftprice-cutprice-droppricecutps3sonyxboxxbox-360xbox360Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: The others]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/wii-warm-up-the-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/wii-warm-up-the-others/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/wii-warm-up-the-others/#commentsFiled under:


We usually use the Wii Warm Up to discuss and dissect Wii-related minutiae, but today we want to know more about your non-Nintendo gaming habits. Which other consoles do you own (current-gen or otherwise), which is your favorite (after the Wii, naturally), and what did you last play/are you currently playing through?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: The others originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>braidgizmondopcps3pspwwuxbox360Sat, 30 Aug 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Born for Wii: Dark Sector]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/born-for-wii-dark-sector/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/born-for-wii-dark-sector/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/born-for-wii-dark-sector/#commentsFiled under:

Wait for it. Don't leave cover too soon. You're nearly surrounded. Bullets fly in from three directions, ricocheting off the paltry bit of cover protecting your crouched body. A grenade goes off nearby -- too close for comfort. And then it's time to strike back and slaughter another wave of enemy soldiers. You stand up, twist your body to the side, and throw, sending a spinning blade of death towards the hopelessly unprepared, screaming soldiers who soon find themselves lacking torso cohesion.

Released in March of this year for the Xbox 360 and PS3, Dark Sector is a far cry from its original incarnation as the first game shown off for this generation of consoles. It evolved into a Gears of War-inspired, Space Marine-lacking action title with an unusual Soviet setting. While on the surface the gameplay is rather derivative -- you'll be taking cover, aiming, and moving around in a manner that's instantly familiar to anyone who's played a third-person shooter in the past two years -- one thing sets Dark Sector apart from other games of its ilk. That thing is the glaive, a vicious, bladed boomerang that dominates the game's combat and puzzles. And while the glaive is enough to make Dark Sector a solid, though overall unremarkable, action title, it represents an enormous potential: armed with a retooled control scheme and a Wiimote, Dark Sector is, without a doubt, Born for Wii.


NEXT >>



Every week, Born for Wii digs into gaming's sordid past to unearth a new treasure fit for revival on the Nintendo Wii. Be sure to check out last week's entry in the series, Viewtiful Joe, and for more great titles that deserve your attention, take a look at Virtually Overlooked.

JoystiqBorn for Wii: Dark Sector originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>born-for-wiid3dark-sectordigital-extremesjoystiqfeaturesportps3shooterxbox360Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: Wii third-party sales 'not a pretty story']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/microsoft-wii-third-party-sales-not-a-pretty-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/microsoft-wii-third-party-sales-not-a-pretty-story/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/11/microsoft-wii-third-party-sales-not-a-pretty-story/#commentsFiled under:


Despite NoA's VP, Denise Kaigler, showing us all a graph with some lines on it, group manager of corporate PR at Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, David Dennis, wants us all to know that the information presented in Kaigler's little chart is wrong. To help set the record straight (and also point out how awesome is company is, we guess), Dennis offered up the following tidbits of info:
  • Total third party sales for the Xbox 360 since launch is currently 67,929,999 units, followed by the Wii at 33,394,311 units and the PlayStation 3 at 19,976,325 units.
  • Third party sales for the Xbox 360 since the launch of the Wii and PS3 is 54,065,728 units, still almost double the Wii's 33,394,311 units.
  • If you take the total number of units sold and divide that by the number of titles released since November 2006, the Xbox 360 and the PS3 are selling more units per title on average than the Wii. This puts the Xbox 360 at 217,252 units per title, the PS3 at 156,065 units and the Wii at 132,517 units.
We have a feeling that any company can spin sales figures the right way, in their favor, but no matter how you slice it, the Wii is still on top overall. So take that, competition!

[Thanks, jimb!]

JoystiqMicrosoft: Wii third-party sales 'not a pretty story' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmicrosoftnintendo-wiisalessalesfiguresthird-partyxbox-360xbox360Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Source: First images from 360 Avatar creator leaked]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/source-first-images-from-360-avatar-creator-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/source-first-images-from-360-avatar-creator-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/03/source-first-images-from-360-avatar-creator-leaked/#commentsFiled under:


We've all seen the adorably customizable lookalikes that we'll be generating with the Avatar system, due out with the Xbox 360 Fall update -- but we've yet to see the actual system that will let you let you create your virtual representation. However, a "super secret source" recently sent our green and white sister site, 360 Fanboy, a couple of images containing the icons used in the Avatar creator. Assuming they're legit, they give a great indication of what aspects of your avatar you'll be able to manipulate. Based on the images in the gallery below, it looks like our dream of walking through Xbox Live's virtual halls as a morbidly obese man in a rabbit costume might just come true.

[Thanks, DCB and SS1029.]

Gallery: Avatar Creator Customization



JoystiqSource: First images from 360 Avatar creator leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360avatariconsrumorXbox-360xbox360xboxliveSun, 03 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Last Wednesday: Double D Dodgeball, Coffeetime Crosswords, Live Draft Tracker sneak onto XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/last-wednesday-double-d-dodgeball-coffeetime-crosswords-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/last-wednesday-double-d-dodgeball-coffeetime-crosswords-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/last-wednesday-double-d-dodgeball-coffeetime-crosswords-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As the first commenter on this post will assuredly point out, this is old news. The second commenter will likely correct him in a patronizing tone, reminding him that a requirement for news is that it be new, and that this story, therefore, is not news at all. The third commenter, a jocular fellow, will then inquire if it is, in fact, olds? We get it, alright? However, we've never failed to mention new additions to the Xbox Live Arcade, and we don't plan on starting this week. Besides, when you see these sterling new releases, we don't think you'll fault us for being a few days late to the new release party.

First up is Double D Dodgeball (800 MS points/$10), which recreates the classic playground sport with an eye-searing "retro arcade design". The game dropped two weeks before its expected release date, though a reported bug that kicks players off of Xbox Live upon starting up the game make us wonder if perhaps a few guns were jumped. Joining it is Coffeetime Crosswords (800 MS points/$10). With 150 puzzles and a co-op mode, this new entry will surely fulfill all your sinister linguiphilic desires.

Rounding out the list is the EA Fantasy Football Live Draft Tracker (400 MS points/$5), which allows users of EA's online fantasy leagues to import their league settings, draft new players, then export their new rosters back onto EA's servers. This is not a game, and we regret including it in this post.

JoystiqLast Wednesday: Double D Dodgeball, Coffeetime Crosswords, Live Draft Tracker sneak onto XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadecoffeetime-crosswordsdlcdouble-d-dodgeballea-fantasy-football-live-draft-trackerlive-draft-trackerxblaxblawednesdayXbox-360xbox360Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII petition video is an instant comedy classic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/final-fantasy-xiii-petition-video-is-an-instant-comedy-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/final-fantasy-xiii-petition-video-is-an-instant-comedy-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/final-fantasy-xiii-petition-video-is-an-instant-comedy-classic/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

[Update: Apparently this is a video of Kevin Bowen of Something Awful fame (infame?), making us 99.999% sure that it's a joke. Thanks, commenters.]

We can't really decide whether or not the ridiculously over-the-top mad genius in this Final Fantasy XIII petition video (some slightly NSFW language) is for real or not. On the one hand, the know-it-all, spittle-flecked delivery and lines like "I personally do not admire this game any more," seem like a satire of every fanboy stereotype in the book. On the other hand, the final few minutes of the video are delivered with such passion ("I don't think you realize how emotionally invested some of your fans are!") that it feels almost real.

Regardless of its veracity, the video is an instant comedy classic, intentionally or not. If there's any justice in the world, references to"public sue-de-ku" and "Final Fantasy [making] its final sale" will live on as inside jokes in the gaming community for years to come.

Continue reading Final Fantasy XIII petition video is an instant comedy classic

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII petition video is an instant comedy classic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ffxiiifinal-fantasy-xiiimad-geniuspetitionPS3squaresquare-enixvideoXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Limited edition red and green Xbox controllers coming Sept. 30 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/limited-edition-red-and-black-xbox-controller-coming-sept-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/limited-edition-red-and-black-xbox-controller-coming-sept-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/limited-edition-red-and-black-xbox-controller-coming-sept-30/#commentsFiled under:

Want to add a little zing to the plain ol' white and black Xbox 360 color scheme? A Microsoft web page reveals a new limited edition red and black Xbox 360 controller coming on Sept. 30, 2008. The standard wireless controller will come with a matching red rechargeable battery and a play and charge kit for $64.99 (a $5 savings over purchasing them seperately!). We have no idea why Microsoft would reveal a new color so long before the controller is set to be available, but it's release is awfully close to the newly-revealed Gears of War 2 release date of Sept. 9 Nov. 7 [Update: Not sure how I made that ridiculous error. Jet lag, I suppose]. Hmmm ...

[Thanks, Scott]

Update: The Xbox press site also has images from a green version of the controller (shown below the jump along with a higher-res version of the red one). No information about this version, which is not even mentioned in the accompanying press release. [Thanks, jdkay20]

Continue reading Limited edition red and green Xbox controllers coming Sept. 30 [update]

JoystiqLimited edition red and green Xbox controllers coming Sept. 30 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerGears-of-war-2gearsofwargearsofwar2gow2microsoftredxbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Stringer: Wii not a competitor]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/stringer-wii-not-a-competitor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/stringer-wii-not-a-competitor/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/stringer-wii-not-a-competitor/#commentsFiled under:

An article published by Bloomberg today concludes that the PS3 "is gaining ground" on the Xbox 360. The article cites the PS3's ability as a Blu-ray player and software exclusives such as Metal Gear Solid 4 and LittleBigPlanet as reasons why it will "hold onto its lead" after outselling the 360 in the first five months of 2008. According to the NPD Group, the PS3 sold 1.2 million units while the 360 sold 1.12 million units. Of course, Microsoft isn't about to give up so easily. When asked about the PS3's dominance over the 360 so far this year, Microsoft spokesperson David Dennis claims the race is "far from over and we are confident that we have a winning strategy."

The most controversial comments in the article, however, were made by Sony CEO Howard Stringer at a media conference last week regarding another competitor: "I've played a Nintendo Wii, I don't see it as a competitor. It's more of an expensive niche game device." Nintendo has not responded to Stringer's current statements. The idea of the PS3 and the Wii targeting different markets isn't a new idea though. Back in 2006, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto stated that the PS3 is not in competition with the Revolution (the Wii's former name). What are your thoughts?

JoystiqStringer: Wii not a competitor originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>howard-stringermicrosoftnintendoplaystation3ps3sonystringerwiixbox360Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Gears of War 2's 'Day-One' map, multiplayer bots revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/gears-of-war-2s-day-one-map-multiplayer-bots-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/gears-of-war-2s-day-one-map-multiplayer-bots-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/12/gears-of-war-2s-day-one-map-multiplayer-bots-revealed/#commentsFiled under: ,


In the latest episode of GameTrailers TV, baby-faced Geoff Keighley got a chance to have a pow-wow with Gears of War 2's designer and poster boy, Cliff Bleszinski, who revealed some of the game's heretofore unannounced additions. Chief among said additions are a new multiplayer map titled "Day-One", which features a sizable emergence hole and its massive, treacherous occupant, and the inclusion of AI bots in the game's multiplayer modes, as featured in another of Epic's staple franchises, Unreal Tournament.

Other big reveals during the episode include the revivification of a map from the original Gears' "Hidden Fronts" DLC pack titled "Subway", the addition of player-controlled tanks, and a limited edition red, Gears of War 2-themed Xbox 360 to be released around the title's launch. With the veritable cornucopia of information already unleashed about Microsoft's holiday blockbuster, we're beginning to wonder if they've got any frags up their sleeves for next week's showcase.

JoystiqGears of War 2's 'Day-One' map, multiplayer bots revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botscliff-bleszinskiday-oneepicepic-gamesgametrailerstvgears-of-wargears-of-war-2geoff-keighleymicrosoftmultiplayerXbox-360xbox360Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3 'theoretically possible' for console port]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/diablo-3-theoretically-possible-for-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/diablo-3-theoretically-possible-for-console-port/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/05/diablo-3-theoretically-possible-for-console-port/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In our interview with Diablo 3 lead designer Jay Wilson, it was explained that there were no plans to bring the long-awaited title to any platform other than PC and Mac. However, in the six days that have passed since said interview, a couple of Blizzard higher-ups weren't quite as dismissive of the possibility of the dungeon crawler making an appearance on our primitive gameboxes -- though the language used to describe this possibility hasn't exactly given us high-apple-pie-in-the-sky hopes.

When asked about a console rendition of the third entry in the Lord of Terror-slaying franchise, Blizzard COO Paul Sams gave an inconclusive "I don't know yet," though Vice President of Game Design Rob Pardo suggested a console port was "theoretically possible," as out of all of Blizzard's franchises, Diablo would be the most console-friendly. We guess a theoretical "yes" is better than an actual "no", or a metaphorical "maybe", but we're still not holding our bated breath for a non-compy version of Diablo the Third.

JoystiqDiablo 3 'theoretically possible' for console port originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard-entertainmentconsolediablo-3macpcportps3Xbox-360xbox360Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy interviews High Voltage on The Conduit (continued)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/wii-fanboy-interviews-high-voltage-on-the-conduit-continued/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/wii-fanboy-interviews-high-voltage-on-the-conduit-continued/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/16/wii-fanboy-interviews-high-voltage-on-the-conduit-continued/#commentsFiled under:


Stylistically, it's been compared to Half-Life and Perfect Dark. What games have inspired design choices in The Conduit?

Rob: One of our goals from the very start was to make a fast-paced accessible FPS. To that end we looked at and stole shamelessly from mega-hits like Halo and Half-Life, recent titles like Resistance: Fall of Man and Metroid Prime Corruption, as well as classics like Goldeneye for the N64. We wanted to pick the best features from these titles, the things that made them fun and memorable and have features like those in The Conduit.

Matt: We've done art direction for so many different titles, and we've learned a lot about establishing a strong and cohesive visual style. The Conduit's art direction has come mainly from taking real world styles and locations and combining them with our own alien technology concepts and aesthetic design preferences. I suppose that it looks similar to those other games, but in the end it's The Conduit's own unique premise that has largely driven the artistic vision. When combined with the features that are specific to our engine tech, The Conduit will look stunning by the time it reaches the player's hands.

Will there be a calibration option, so we can "aim down the sights?"

Rob: One of the things we learned in our development process was that customization of controls is essential to an enjoyable gameplay experience. To that end, we allow players to customize sensitivity, dead zone sizes, as well as control layouts. But, if you mean, can you actually use the iron-sights of your guns, that answer is "not exactly". The reason being that several of our weapons are alien in nature and don't even have iron-sights... but you will have sort of an alien vision mode with some of the weapons.

Matt: There'll be on-the-fly, in-game look sensitivity adjustments, as well as a fully map-able control scheme, down to the button, in the game's front end UI. Players will be able to map the game's controls completely to their own liking. There'll even be a couple of alternate control methods for those that don't care as much for the Wii pointer style of directional turning. There'll be lots of options for maximum playability.



There hasn't been much word on who the publisher for The Conduit is. Rumor has it, Nintendo is actually going to publish the game. Can you comment on that? Can you announce one at this time?

Matt: I can neither confirm nor deny this, senator. ;) All I will say is that thanks to the explosion of interest in this title, we've had a lot of publishers knocking on our door.

Control-wise, will there be options for other methods outside of the Wiimote and nunchuk? Will it support the GameCube controller? Classic controller?

Dan: There are movement and weapon functions in The Conduit that require the Wii Remote's pointer, accelerometer, depth, and cursor rotation functionality in order to perform. The Conduit isn't your standard ported-over-to-the-Wii style of game. Using the Classic or GC controller kind of defeats the purpose of what we are looking to do.

Matt: With The Conduit we want to redefine first person shooter controls. Hard core FPS gamers that have played the game have told me that they are now convinced that Wii is the best system for the genre. When you play it you'll realize very quickly that the Wii Remote is an incredible control device for this type of game. It just feels amazing to play.

Rob: I think if you are buying a Wii, you're buying it to make use of its motion sensitive controls, which are tailor made for an FPS game.


Aside from the controls, what are the game's strengths that separate it from other existing PC/console FPSes?

Rob: I would say that would be the ASE or "All Seeing Eye" device. In game, this piece of hardware allows a player to adjust the "phase state" of things. This makes invisible enemies and hazards not only visible, but able to take damage. It also makes invisible cover and platforms become solid, leading to more gameplay. We also reveal secret puzzle locks that must be solved to get to special weapons.

Dan: We've put a solid amount of effort into enemy AI for The Conduit. A pet peeve of mine is single player FPS games where the enemies just stand there getting blasted, and don't seem to be reacting to the world around them. In The Conduit, our bad guys can hear and see, understand the use of cover, have variable levels of aggression, use grenades effectively, advance and retreat, and can determine when the player is susceptible to attack (i.e. reloading, exposed and moving in their firing cone). I think focusing a higher than normal amount of the dev time on AI makes our single player experience better than most other FPS titles out there. Of course, the overall look we're able to achieve with our advanced engine tech is also something the makes The Conduit a superior FPS game IMO.

Matt: I think that going back to the Wii Remote, The Conduit has a unique control system that feels more like a VR experience than the typical spring loaded joystick controlled videogame. I also agree that the ASE device offers a unique style of gameplay that hasn't really been seen before in other games. Having the ability to discover and phase useful objects into the environment to assist with combat is a lot of fun. Beyond that, it's just rock solid action all throughout the game. There'll be fierce enemies, bad ass weapons, and white knuckle battles. It's going to be a hell of a lot of fun.

Does the game run at 60fps? 30fps?

Matt: If we can hit closer to 60, then that will be great! But for right now we are shooting for a steady 30fps, with zero drops in framerate. The whole team swears by the fact that a solid 30fps still feels great. Even our studio's most hard core PC FPS gamers think that The Conduit feels just right at 30fps. The quality will be there, and the game will look and run amazing by the time that it ships.

Dan: The game will run absolutely solid at 30fps. For HVS, choice is either to have less visual splendor and run at 60fps or achieve the look we want for the game and run at 30fps. 30fps is a frame rate that is plenty responsive for FPS gaming and we are valuing the increased visual detail we can offer over the slightly smoother gameplay we might otherwise get by scaling this back.

High Voltage has made an adventure game/minigame collection for the Xbox (Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude, also on PS2 and PC), and now they're making an FPS for the Wii. Is this ironic or strategy?

Rob: I like to think it's beautiful strategy. At the time Magna Cum Laude came out, the Adventure game market was woefully barren. So we found a title and a publisher willing to take the risk to revitalize that genre. Now we're trying to do the same thing with FPS's on the Wii. We feel that The Conduit will be like rain in the desert, which seems to be the case judging by the online response.

Matt: Diversity is key. We don't like to sell ourselves short by sticking with one genre or style of game. High Voltage knows that it's okay to try new things. We've learned a lot after 15 years working with so many different publishers, developers, and licensors. I could go on about how licensed game restrictions, publisher mandates, and drop dead unmovable release dates ultimately affect the quality of your game, but this project is very different. The Conduit is something completely new for our studio. This game will rock!


The company seems very (vocally) confident about the ability of The Conduit to revolutionize Wii gaming. Was it always in the plan to build up so much hype, or was the hype a natural product of enthusiasm? Has the hype been more than expected?

Rob: The hype has certainly been more than I expected and I am grateful for it. However, it is a two-edged sword. While the hype has helped give us the pick of litter for a publisher, it does mean we have a LOT to live up to. But I think we are up for the challenge. =)

Dan: There aren't many large scale multiplayer games for the Wii at this point, nor any that push the Wii graphics HW to the extent we are. So, from these standpoints - The Conduit will be revolutionary for the Wii gaming market. It is HVS's belief that although there are great FPS games on the 360 and PS3 - what they all lack is the kind of unique motion sensing based control schemes that makes The Conduit for the Wii more fun to play. Giving gamers a great looking, great playing, great controlling FPS title is something we feel is worth hyping!

Matt: The plan all along was to maximize the potential of the system, and then build a game that showcases the engine tech and the fun of the Wii Remote. Every developer talks big about their own game, but no one at High Voltage could say for sure how well our audience would react to the screenshots and gameplay video release. We've always just been focused on making a great game, and the result is that The Conduit seems to be building its own hype. And we're very appreciative of all the kind words and support we've received from the Wii community.

Is The Conduit sharing tech with Animales de la Muerte? Where did the concept for that one come from? Is it still on track? Really, anything we could learn about Animales de la Muerte would be wonderful.

Dan: Animales is using the same engine tech as The Conduit, but in a much different way since it's a 'toon shaded game.

Matt: I don't want to say too much more about the title until it's closer to completion, but I will say that it's going to be bloody fun. By the way, much respect to our friends in Mexico. However, screw PETA...no animal in this game is safe!

Anything about multiplayer? Many of the folks interested in the game are looking to have some kind of online multiplayer, preferably something on-par with Medal of Honor: Heroes 2. Are you trying to implement Wi-Fi compatibility? Local multiplayer?

Dan: We are working closely with Nintendo to be able to provide the kind of multiplayer gameplay that we know the market wants.

Matt: Nintendo has been really helping us out with technical support but we still have more questions that will need be answered before we can release any specifics about our multiplayer modes. Obviously we want to be competitive with the other online console games, but we'd rather wait until we've got something great to show off before we make any announcements about this very important feature.

Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions!

When not writing about games, we enjoy talking to the people that make them. Be sure to check out our interview with Wii mastermind Johnny Lee, as well as our chat with Didian Malenfant from Ready at Dawn on Okami for Wii. Oh, and don't forget our chat with Hudson's Mike Samachisa on Deca Sports.

JoystiqWii Fanboy interviews High Voltage on The Conduit (continued) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsgoldeneyehalf-lifehalohigh-voltageleisure-suit-larrymagna-cum-laudemicrosoftn64pcps2ps3rareresistance-fall-of-mansci-fisonythe-conduitxboxxbox-360xbox360Mon, 16 Jun 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Castle Crashers jumps through another hoop, gets rated 'Teen']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/castle-crashers-jumps-through-another-hoop-gets-rated-teen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/castle-crashers-jumps-through-another-hoop-gets-rated-teen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/15/castle-crashers-jumps-through-another-hoop-gets-rated-teen/#commentsFiled under: ,


We love the Xbox Live Arcade Service (fanboy placation: we love the PlayStation Network and WiiWare too), but it's a well-known fact that there are a number of hurdles a finished game has to clear before it can find its way onto the imponderable internets. One of said hurdles, labeled "the rating process" is actually three-hundred feet tall, covered in flaming, poison-coated spikes, and surrounded by a moat filled with bull sharks in mating season. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

Thankfully, in an act of incredible vaulting prowess, Behemoth's upcoming racist multiplayer beat-'em-up Castle Crashers recently cleared said hurdle, receiving a decisive "Teen" rating (the German judges, obviously confused and unimpressed, gave the effort a 7.5). There are a number of other hoops the adorable brawler must jump through before attaining that coveted XBLA certification, but we're hopeful that we'll be storming cartoon strongholds relatively soon.

JoystiqCastle Crashers jumps through another hoop, gets rated 'Teen' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behemothcastle-crasherscastlecrasherscertificationmicrosoftxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadexbox360xboxlivearcadeSun, 15 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst blames Xbox RRoD on MS-designed graphics chip]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/researcher-blames-xbox-rrod-on-ms-designed-graphics-chip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/researcher-blames-xbox-rrod-on-ms-designed-graphics-chip/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/researcher-blames-xbox-rrod-on-ms-designed-graphics-chip/#commentsFiled under: ,

With Microsoft remaining officially mum on the reasons behind the wave of Xbox 360-killing red rings of death, owners and experts have speculated on causes ranging from cheap heat sinks to bad soldering to power surges. Now, Gartner Research Vice President and Chief Analyst Bryan Lewis thinks he's honed in on the real reason behind the system failures: cheap, Microsoft-designed graphics processors.

Speaking at the Design Automation Conference, Lewis said Microsoft tried to save a few million dollars by designing the Xbox 360's GPU in-house, rather than farming the design out to an experienced, approved application-specific integrated circuit vendor. Lewis chalked the high failure rate to Microsoft's inexperience designing such chips. "How many ASICs per year does Microsoft design? Not many.," Lewis said. "The ASIC vendor could have been able to design a graphics processor that dissipates much less power."

The irony is that Microsoft is widely believed to have gone to experienced ASIC-designer ATI for a redesigned Xbox 360 graphics chip in the middle of 2007. So, in addition to spending over a billion dollars on a warranty extension, Microsoft probably still ended up having to spend the few million dollars they were trying to avoid in the first place. Smooth move, ex-lax.

[Thanks copa.]

JoystiqAnalyst blames Xbox RRoD on MS-designed graphics chip originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>failureGPUhardwarered-ringred-ring-of-deathRRoDxbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Wed, 11 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Bach tamps down Blu-ray Xbox rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/microsofts-bach-tamps-down-blu-ray-xbox-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/microsofts-bach-tamps-down-blu-ray-xbox-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/microsofts-bach-tamps-down-blu-ray-xbox-rumors/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well, it's tomorrow, and despite yesterday's rumor that Microsoft would be announcing a Blu-ray equipped Xbox 360 today (that's yesterday's tomorrow, for those of you confused by that first clause), so far we've so far heard bupkis. In fact, we've heard less than bupkis if you take into account the San Francisco Chronicle interview with Robbie Bach, in which the Microsoft Entertainment & Devices president downplays disc-based movie formats and stresses Microsoft's HD video downloads.

"Xbox 360 has a great ability to deliver [high-definition experience] through the Xbox Live (online download) service," Bach said. "It's a great way to get the high-definition concept because it's right there. There's no additional media. There is nothing you need to purchase ... You have to look at how fundamentally compelling the difference is between a progressive scan DVD player and the picture that it can produce and what you get on a high-definition player. The reality is there is some difference, but most people look at it and say, 'I am not going to pay extra for that.'"

The full interview also includes Bach's thoughts on in-game ads, the next-next-gen Xbox, and motion-sensitive controllers. Check it out.

JoystiqMicrosoft's Bach tamps down Blu-ray Xbox rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tech blog CrunchGear is reporting that an inside source at Microsoft who was a former member of the company's HD-DVD department has confirmed that the company will announce that the "Xbox 360 will get Blu-ray before Christmas" via a press release set to go out at 9 a.m. PDT. Details about the supposed system are slim, though the tipster confirmed that the new model will cost less than an Elite model ($449.99).

The announcement is supposed to drop one hour before the opening of the Worldwide Developer's Conference in order to steal the spotlight from Apple's annual event. Kind of a bizarre move on Microsoft's part -- we doubt announcing a new model of your gaming console will overshadow an entire conference-worth of Apple-related news stories. As per usual with rumors (especially ones involving Blu-ray 360s), we'll keep our standard level of skepticism at heart as we refresh our mailboxes tomorrow morning.

[Via X3F]

JoystiqRumor: Microsoft to announce Blu-ray 360 tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's hardly news that the Wii uses up less power than Sony and Microsoft's graphically intensive, monolithic consoles, but Aussie consumer website Choice has now delivered the most detailed results yet on how much juice each machine consumes -- even taking into account factors such as whether or not WiiConnect24 is active, or whether the console in question is idle.

And there's no doubt about it -- despite what Greenpeace might say, the Wii is an efficient little bugger when it comes to energy consumption. Ninty's console uses under one-tenth of the power required to play games on a PS3, and an eighth of the energy needed to run games on an Xbox 360. Regrettably, the survey neglects to mention that the Wii is three times as fun as both. YES, WE TOTALLY WENT THERE.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqNow you're playing with (a device which consumes very little) power! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>energypowerps3xbox-360xbox360Wed, 04 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Poor Korean sales due to region restrictions?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/poor-korean-sales-due-to-region-restrictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/poor-korean-sales-due-to-region-restrictions/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/poor-korean-sales-due-to-region-restrictions/#commentsFiled under:

So things haven't been so great in Korea for the Wii. Since the console's release to the region, it has moved a low number of consoles and software. Perhaps offering up new bundles and some smart marketing will help turn this around.

Over at GI.biz, they're claiming that the low sales numbers has to do with Nintendo enabling the Korean Wii to only play Korean titles. Apparently, Korean gamers want to import the big Japanese games, but they can't because of the restrictions. We could see how this is a problem.

Still, when compared to the Xbox 360 and PS3, which have sold 150,000 and 50,000 units respectively, the Wii is doing much better, selling almost as many PS3s in its first month alone.

JoystiqPoor Korean sales due to region restrictions? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesskoreamicrosoftps3salessalesfiguressonyxbox360Mon, 02 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[360 Fanboy shows us real ultimate power with Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/31/360-fanboy-shows-us-real-ultimate-power-with-ninja-gaiden-ii-dem/#commentsFiled under: ,


We can think of a lot of great things to sell our souls for, such as telekinesis, a swimming pool full of hundred dollar bills, or a seventh season of Mr. Belvedere. However, Xbox 360 Fanboy's Richard Mitchell (or as we like to call him around the office, Rich Mitch) recently showed his undying love for scarved ninjas by dealing with Beelzebub to get his hands on an early copy of the Ninja Gaiden II demo. Judging by the tone of his impressions as he plays the first seven minutes of the preview, it was totally worth it.

We strongly advise watching the above video -- not only will it get you totally pumped for the quickly approaching June 3 release date for the title, but you can also witness Rich Mitch's incredible proclivity for ninja flipping and henchman dismemberment.

Joystiq360 Fanboy shows us real ultimate power with Ninja Gaiden II demo impressions originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Those of you who enjoy soccer of the North American variety will begin to see jerseys emblazoned with a very familiar logo (that of the Xbox Live service) when a brand spankin' new Major League Soccer team, the Seattle Sounders FC, makes its debut in the 2009 season. The team (not to be confused with other Sounders franchises in the NASL and USL) recently agreed to a 5-year, $20 million sponsorship from Microsoft and its hot-under-the-hood home console.

In addition to fancy new jerseys, the young team's home field will be tiled "The Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field", and the 360 will reportedly be recognized as the "official and exclusive video game console of Major League Soccer." We pray Sony doesn't respond by sponsoring a competing MLS team -- to combine the zealous fanaticism associated with gaming consoles and soccer teams may incite a fanboy war that would tear our continent asunder.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqMicrosoft, Xbox 360 sponsor new Major League Soccer team Seattle Sounders FC originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 May 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Our Xbox-toting brethren at 360 Fanboy recently came across a list of Xbox Live Arcade titles which may be up for expungement in Microsoft's spring cleaning of their online store. The list (available after the break) includes all titles that fulfill the first and second criteria of Microsoft's new standards -- that is, they've been available for six months, and currently hold a 65 percent or lower average score on Metacritic. A steady conversion rate (the number of people who purchase the complete title after downloading the demo, a figure only Microsoft has access to) is the only thing standing between these games and a date with the delete button -- so if you've been holding out on downloading Shrek-N-Roll, you may want to pick it up in an expedient manner.

Continue reading Download now, or forever hold your points: Potential delisted Xbox Live Arcade titles

JoystiqDownload now, or forever hold your points: Potential delisted Xbox Live Arcade titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 May 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360delistdelistedlivelivearcademetacriticmicrosoftspringcleaningxblaXbox-360xbox360xboxlivearcadeMon, 26 May 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CNET sees PS3 beating Wii ... in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/cnet-sees-ps3-beating-wii-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/cnet-sees-ps3-beating-wii-in-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/22/cnet-sees-ps3-beating-wii-in-2012/#commentsFiled under:


You see that chart right there? That's the predicted outcome of the console war this generation, courtesy of CNET. Aside from the hate in your heart caused by those black bars cruising past those lovely blue ones around the year 2012, what else do you see? Grim future for that Xbox 360? According to CNET, it will be.

What do you all think about this projected outcome? Do you think the Wii's popularity will sustain at such a high level for the next 4 years (it does have a lot going for it)? Do you see the demand dying down a bit soon? Also, what are all those people of the future buying PS3s for? Is it a prediction of the future for some kind of alternate universe where the PS3 has games worth playing?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqCNET sees PS3 beating Wii ... in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We're usually not ones to post about console case mods of any sort, but we decided to buck that trend today -- namely because no case mod we've ever seen has inspired such fear into our hearts. A forum-dweller by the name of dfw monkie recently posted pictures of his latest monstrosity to The Llamma's Game Console Forums (instilling a greater fear in us that a Llama-themed 360 is in the works) -- an Xbox 360, covered in the pitch-black skin of a gargantuan alligator that dfw monkie killed with his bare hands.

Okay, the crocodilian pattern was created with common crafting supplies, but we much prefer our own "Man vs. Wild" interpretation of the console's backstory. Martha Stewart-esque origins or no, the final product is still downright unsettling.

JoystiqFeed your discs to the alligator-skinned Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Between the comprehensive in-game map, the GPS-imbued minimap, and the TomTom-esque functionality of certain vehicles, we've yet to misplace ourselves within Liberty City's digital boroughs. Still, if you find yourself lost whilst playing Grand Theft Auto IV, we guess this Liberty City map application (mapplication?) using the Google Maps interface would come in handy.

A number of user contributions have already been made to the map, showing the location of hidden items, easter eggs, pigeon locations, stunt jumps, and yes, even hookers, whom we assume were fitted with GPS locaters by trained prostitute handlers before being released back into the wild. It makes for a useful cartographical companion for those with a laptop near their console of choice -- if you don't mind ruining the fun of exploring the nooks and crannies of Rockstar's intricately crafted metropolis for yourself, that is.

JoystiqExplore Liberty City with Google Map application originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Based on data pulled from GameRankings, folks over at GameFunk have prepared the nice little chart above. Apparently, Wii games don't get that great of marks from reviewers. Compared to the marks of games on other consoles, it makes the Wii's library look even worse!

Here's the numbers:
  • Xbox 360: 374 games: 26% good, 24% bad
  • PS3: 122 games: 33% good, 17% bad
  • Wii: 189 games: 11% good, 37% bad
But, before you punch your computer monitor in a fit of rage, know this: the Wii does have a lot of shovelware. It's just the price of success, as publishers and developers see the console as a means to make money. And that's what they're in it for.

Also, keep in mind that the PS3 and Xbox 360 don't have Metroid Prime 3: Corruption or No More Heroes. So they pretty much lose.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqReport: Wii games aren't good originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With help of review aggregate site GameRankings.com, website Gamefunk decided to see how many "good" games were on each of the three home consoles ("good" being defined as anything over 80%, "bad" being games below 60%). Of the three, PS3 rose to the top, with the least percentage of "bad" games, and the highest percentage of "good" games. Take a look:
  • Xbox 360: 374 games: 26% good, 24% bad
  • PS3: 122 games: 33% good, 17% bad
  • Wii: 189 games: 11% good, 37% bad
While the software library of the PS3 is rather small, in comparison to the other two, it's more likely that a shopper buying a completely random game from the PS3 shelves will fare better than when shopping for the other consoles. While we have to endure through a bit of shovelware on our system, we feel bad for the uneducated Wii shopper, where "bad" games are seemingly the norm.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPS3 software has leading percentage of 'good' games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ps3softwarewiixbox360Thu, 01 May 2008 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live down Monday morning for spring cleaning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/xbox-live-down-monday-morning-for-spring-cleaning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/xbox-live-down-monday-morning-for-spring-cleaning/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/19/xbox-live-down-monday-morning-for-spring-cleaning/#commentsFiled under:


Did you know that every foul obscenity, racial slur, and homophobic epithet collects in the corners of Xbox Live, much akin to the mood slime in "Ghostbusters II"? It can cause some serious latency issues -- though unfortunately, it cannot be cleared away by a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne. It takes hours of tedious chiseling and scraping to clear this hate plaque from Microsoft's servers, during which time Xbox Live is made unavailable for CoD4 grinding and piñata swapping.

Unfortunately for those 360 owners with online gaming on the docket for this coming Monday morning, Xbox Live will be down for said maintenance for eight hours. Before you get your hopes up, Gamerscore Blog assured everyone that this is not the fabled spring update, just some routine sprucing. We know the thought of division from the gaming hivemind is unbearable, but we trust you can go without from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. PST (that's 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, or "Too Legit 2 Quit" to "Pumps in a Bump" in Standard Hammer Time.)

JoystiqXbox Live down Monday morning for spring cleaning originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hammertimemaintenancemicrosoftserverslimexboxXbox-360xbox-livexbox360XboxLiveSat, 19 Apr 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 power supply cited in Little Rock fire]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/xbox-360-power-supply-cited-in-little-rock-fire/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/xbox-360-power-supply-cited-in-little-rock-fire/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/xbox-360-power-supply-cited-in-little-rock-fire/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Y'know, just the other day we were saying to ourselves that it seemed like forever since we'd heard a new report of a Microsoft gaming power supply causing a fire. Well, we can't say that anymore, because KTHV is reporting that Little Rock Fire Department Captain Jason Weaver fingered an Xbox 360 power supply as the source of a house fire Monday.

Thankfully no one was hurt in the fire, which did $10,000 worth of damage to the house, but we're a little concerned that it was an Xbox 360 that allegedly caused the fire. Isn't the original Xbox supposed to be the one with the spark-generating, recall-spawning power supply? We thought the Xbox 360's heat problems were usually limited to inside the system (sorry, we had to go there).

JoystiqXbox 360 power supply cited in Little Rock fire originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The next time you fire up your 360 you'll be prompted to do a system update and we hope you're sitting down when it happens, because after it's complete you need to be prepared for the thrill of performance identical to before said update. No, there's nothing. Don't try poking around, you're just going to get your heart broken.

Genie paramour and Microsoft spokesman Major Nelson said the code is solely to "prepare for future growth of the service." We're hoping the update is tantamount to a young girl getting a saddle the night before her thirteenth birthday, only the metaphorical pony is the Spring Dashboard Update, information on which has been unusually scarce. We'll let you know when we get some.

JoystiqNew Xbox 360 update doesn't do anything originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week on Ask Joystiq, we look at downloading foreign content to a foreign system, streaming content to an Xbox 360, and identifying one --or possibly two? -- obscure Argentinian NES games.

If you have any burning questions, unsolved gaming mysteries, or just a desire for musings from our knowledgeable cadre of writers, drop us a line at ask AAT joystiq DAWT com (and yes, we write it that way for a reason).

Q: I might be going to Japan towards the end of the summer and might pick up some games or a system. If I get a system, how would that work when I bring it back to the states and log on-line for a Wii, PS3 or 360?? Would a Japanese Wii let me log in to only US servers or would I be able to download Japanese games from the marketplace. Same question applied to the other systems...
-- iwantmymtv

A: For the Wii, the region of the console corresponds to the region of the Wii Shop Channel -- Japanese systems will access the Japanese store, no matter where you plug them into the intertubes. You have to buy Wii Points that correspond to the system's region too, which means using a Japanese credit card or getting some Japanese Wii Points cards imported. [source]

Any PS3 will play downloads from any region, but each PSN account is locked to a specific region when you create it. Luckily, it's relatively easy to set up "dummy accounts" for each region you want to buy content, as long as you have a credit card from that country. Be warned, though: there is a significant language barrier for navigating the Japanese store.

Xbox Live users can also create dummy accounts to get around regional restrictions, but there are reports that Microsoft has been blocking downloads from accounts where this practice is detected. As always, let the international buyer beware.
-Kyle Orland

Continue reading Ask Joystiq: On region-free downloading, Xbox streaming and Karnov

JoystiqAsk Joystiq: On region-free downloading, Xbox streaming and Karnov originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's been nearly a year and a half since the beginning of the current console war, and supporters of the Wii, PS3, and 360 are still set deep in their trenches, fighting the good fight. Gallons of fanboy blood and immeasurable amounts of bandwidth have been spilled in this epic struggle -- and according to Sandy Duncan, former VP for Xbox Europe, it's all for naught. All gaming consoles, he claims, will "die out" within the next five to ten years.

No, a console-corrupting pandemic isn't going to sweep the planet -- Duncan predicts that dedicated gaming devices will give way to digital distribution through cable and satellite set-top boxes and online gaming options (though considering his executive position with the web-based YoYo games, this could just be simple, doe-eyed optimism). This presents an interesting question: with no consoles to crusade for, what brave new enterprises will the fanboys move on to? Advertising? Public Relations? God help us -- politics?

JoystiqFormer Xbox Europe exec foresees the extinction of consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Looks like the popularity of the Wii might not be beneficial to just Nintendo, as industry insiders are beginning to think that it would be the one to pave the way for console manufacturers to adopt a similar strategy in the future. With the big fancy features of the PS3 and Xbox 360, Sony and Microsoft have been losing out on dough from sales since day one. But, the same cannot be said for Nintendo. They've been making profit since they sold their first Wii.

And others may follow suit in the next generation of gaming. At least, analyst Billy Pidgeon with IDC thinks so, as he commented to Next-Gen that "the results of this cycle will have a strong influence on the next cycle, in that cheaper consoles will be expected." He goes on further to say "Microsoft and Sony will attain successful business on this generation, but catering to the early adopter hardcore gamers with a technology leader strategy will be difficult in 2011."

Any way you look at it, Nintendo proved playing is believing and showed that graphics aren't all there is to a successful game. No matter what we see come the next generation of gaming, we think Nintendo's success here, and now, is going to have a big impact on it. Until then, we'll just get back to playing No More Heroes.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqWii success may lead to cheaper next-gen? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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